Tag Archives: Self-examination

Cicero, Cicero, CICERO! (sing to the tune of “The Barber of Seville,” anyone?)

After learning about the Stoic principles for living in society, today we get to test ourselves in a thought experiment!

The Roman philosopher, politician, and wearer of many more hats, Marcus Tullius Cicero, (106-43 BC; placing him somewhere on the timeline between founder Zeno of Citium and good ol’ Seneca; read about Cicero here), wrote a book called On Duties. In it, Cicero pointed out that sometimes cases arise in which humans weigh convenience against honor. Thus here is his thought experiment: Read more of this post

My apologies if this post ends up littered with mistakes… After wishing for sleep for the past four hours, I’ve decided to acknowledge that “the obstacle is the way” and utilize this time at 4:00 am to get back to the Stoicism studies, instead of becoming angry at the chronic pain that breeds insomnia. Chronic physical pain isn’t in my control anyway, right? So I’ll do what’s actually in my control and aim to publish this blog post. 🙂 Let’s see what we have scheduled for today…. Ah, a lesson regarding “The Equanimity of the Wise Person.”

If you didn’t read the previous post (short) about why we should love those who wrong us, you absolutely must.

If you want to read the Christian application, then you need to start with the
previous post, then read through this one.
If you don't want to read the Christianapplication, then you need to start with
the previous post and then skip down to the section in this post titled
"Grudges".

Today’s lesson in Stoic Serenity about accepting others who wrong us struck something in me. I was cooking lunch and thinking how Marcus gave such a simple but compelling reason about why we should love those who wrong us: because they simply don’t know any better. Goodness, if I think of it this way, then it really seems much easier to let go of the troubles caused by even my “worst enemies.”Read more of this post

For a rational creature, to act according to Nature and to act according to reason is one and the same.

(Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.11)

Consider every word and action that is in line with Reason to be the one you should take. Do not be distracted by the criticism and gossip that may result. If it is the right thing to say or do, then it is the right action for you to take. The rest of the people have their own guiding center; they follow their own impulses. Don’t waste your energy worrying about their opinions. Keep your focus directly on your course; guide yourself with your own nature and follow the Universal Nature, for the two of these share the same path.

(Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.3)

We’re finishing chapter 3 of Stoic Serenity (we will begin the related exercises next) and what it means to “live according to Nature.” Let’s review: Read more of this post